Though located in the south of France, Domaine Sainte Cécile's Notes Franches is more or less a Bordeaux blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot. Lots of nice, dark, bramble-tinged fruit, with bottom notes of wet stone, charred wood, tar and herbs (mostly mint). Medium-bodied but quite ripe and full-flavoured. Smoky, dark-berry nuances in the mouth with some spice on the finish. Tasty stuff, but I find it lacking a bit of mid-palate.
Although Gretzky has previously forayed in wine and spirits, this is the first product under his brand in the beer category. Light amber in colour, the rye added to the grist creates a little spicy grain interest to go along with a refreshing citric hop bitterness and a crisp finish. While it cannot claim to be a great one , it is certainly a pretty good one.
Light floral scent with grapefruit and white pepper shifts on the palate to stone fruit and tropical fruit supported by characteristic mineral grip. Grapefruit note on the nose reprises with a touch of tartness on the finish.
This “village” Pinot has a gorgeous nose of perfumed and bright cherry fruit, raspberry bramble, subtle and integrated spice with underlying minerality. It’s bright and finessed on the palate with impeccable balance, evident tannins and pretty red fruits all carried on a long finish.
First impressions are a clean briny nose backed by fresh apple and citrus aromas. The 22% Chardonnay Musqué also brings out bright aromatics and honey notes. The unoaked treatment ensures lively mouthfeel with vibrant minerality, while the 80% malo-lactic fermentation contributes a smooth texture and buttery cashew notes. Long honey-lemon finish. Solid choice for a variety of seafood dishes.
Pale yellow with fine bubbles. Fruity nose of apricot, peach/pear and limestone with hints of wet wool. Fine acidity, round mid-palate, great fruity taste. Dry finish. Overall softer than most brut sparklings, this is due to less acidity, not more sugar. Ready to drink.
Bright ruby. Enticing nose of cherry, red berries over soft spicy notes. Light to medium body, delicate ripe tannins, tight acidity. It drinks easily and quite pleasantly right now.